Pre-trial status hearing set for July for woman accused of killing live-in partner
A Bishopville woman accused of killing her boyfriend last spring will have to wait seven more months for her day in court after waiving her right to a speedy trial.
In a status hearing early Monday in Worcester County Circuit Court in Snow Hill, defendant Bonnie Hackendorn made her appearance remotely from the county jail. Over a live video feed, a television on the courtroom wall showed her seated at an empty desk, wearing navy blue prisoner garb over a white long-sleeve shirt.
Maryland State Police said Hackendorn, 62, told investigators that she shot and killed her live-in boyfriend, 57-year-old David Shaulis, claiming self-defense.
County prosecutor Dempsey Stewart and public defender Alexandria Hall discussed setting a trial date for August to accommodate Hall’s expected maternity leave. Judge Beau Oglesby agreed to schedule a five-day trial and also asked for a pre-trial status hearing in July.
Her jury trial had already been rescheduled twice, from October and then December, pushing the limits of a state law that ensures the accused a speedy trial.